PhD: Reconstructing the trophic ecology of Caribbean mammals - new baselines to understand island evolution, extinction and conservation
Location:
Institute of Zoology (Zoological Society of London), London, UK / University of Reading, UK
Organization:
CROCUS Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) - University of Reading, Institute of Zoology ZSL, Natural History Museum, IUCN SSC Small Mammal Specialist Group, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
Contract Type:
PhD Studentship (UKRI funding + CASE award from Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust)
Main Description:
This PhD will use stable isotope analysis to reconstruct the trophic ecology of past Caribbean mammal communities, focusing on understanding the evolution, ecology, extinction and conservation of hutias (Capromyinae), large-bodied rodents that are abundantly represented in recent fossil and archaeological collections.
The research will investigate variation in hutia trophic niches across a range of ecological scales, focusing on the genus Geocapromys, which has experienced multiple species-level and population extinctions but also retains threatened surviving populations of high conservation concern.
Key research objectives include:
- Assessing trophic niche breadth across different Geocapromys species and populations on various Caribbean islands (Bahamas, Jamaica, Little Swan Island, Cayman Islands, Cuba)
- Determining the influence of mammal community diversity on species niche breadth and ecological release dynamics
- Establishing niche plasticity levels across different environments
- Investigating potential hutia domestication during prehistory through archaeological samples
- Evaluating hutia trophic ecology within a phylogenetic framework with scope for ancient DNA analysis
- Conducting radiocarbon dating to clarify extinction chronologies in relation to trophic niche characteristics
Requirements:
Students trained in the following areas would be appropriate: Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation, Zooarchaeology, Quaternary Palaeontology and Geography.
Laboratory skills are desirable, and knowledge, experience and interest in mammalian zoology, island biogeography, evolutionary ecology, macroecology and conservation biology is advantageous.
IMPORTANT: UKRI funding only covers Home fees which increase annually. International students may still apply to this project, but will be required to meet the difference between the International and Home student fees themselves.
Benefits/Conditions:
- Student will be registered at the University of Reading and primarily hosted at the Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London
- Training in relevant stable isotope laboratory techniques (isotopic and elemental analyses) and data analyses (mixing models and isotopic niche analyses) at Reading
- Training in Quaternary specimen-based and conservation research methods at ZSL
- Training in ancient DNA methods at the Natural History Museum
- Engagement with the IUCN Small Mammal Specialist Group, conservation NGOs, and local conservation partners in the Caribbean
- Work with museum collections
- Fieldwork opportunities in the Caribbean
- CASE award from Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
How to Apply:
For informal queries, please contact:
- Prof Samuel Turvey: samuel.turvey@ioz.ac.uk
- Dr Stuart Black: s.black@reading.ac.uk
For application details and requirements, visit the CROCUS DLA website: https://crocus-dla.ac.uk/
Lead Supervisor: Professor Samuel Turvey, Institute of Zoology, London (samuel.turvey@ioz.ac.uk)
Co-supervisors: Dr Stuart Black (University of Reading), Dr Selina Brace (Natural History Museum), Dr Rosalind Kennerley (IUCN SSC Small Mammal Specialist Group / Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust)
